The Sydney Cricket Ground is set to host the opening series of next year's Major League Baseball season, two matches between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The games will be held on the weekend of 22 and 23 March 2014, according to a report in an Australian newspaper, The Telegraph. It is the first time a competitive US baseball fixture will have been held in Australia, and it is understood that the iconic cricket stadium will be transformed into an MLB field with the construction of an infield clay area, pitcher's mound, dugouts and additional grandstand.

The Telegraph reported that the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, who will be in Sydney for six days, will conduct public training sessions. It also quoted Graham Annesley, the New South Wales sports minister, as saying: "Sydney has a history of hosting significant baseball games at the SCG, with the Chicago White Sox playing against a combined NSW team in 1914."

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The Dodgers and the Diamondbacks generated headlines at home on Tuesday night, when their game at Dodger Stadium degenerated into a massed, bench-emptying brawl involving players, managers and coaches. The fight erupted after the Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, at bat, was hit by a 92mph fastball from Arizona's Ian Kennedy. The Dodgers went on to win the game 5-3.

The games between the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks will reportedly add around $13m to the local economy. The New South Wales government is expected to formally announce the event at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday.